Prototyping Lab Lead, Amazon Robotics

Amazon•North Reading, MA

About The Position

Amazon Robotics is seeking an exceptional prototyping lab lead to run an additive and subtractive manufacturing lab that serves as a critical capability for multi-billion-dollar robotics programs. You will be the hands-on fabrication expert and operational guide who can take a napkin sketch and turn it into reality, working in a well-equipped prototyping shop to rapidly build and iterate on test equipment and prototypes. About the Role We need an experienced Lab Engineer to steward our state-of-the-art prototyping lab supporting all of Amazon Robotics and our parent organization FTR. Job Overview - In this role you will lead day-to-day operations of a fully equipped additive and subtractive manufacturing lab featuring Hurco CNC mills, Okuma live-tool CNC lathes, a Bystronic CNC press brake, HP Multi Jet Fusion, Formlabs SLS, Stratasys PolyJet printers, and more. Translate early-stage concepts into functional prototypes and test fixtures at speed. Direct a technical team and coordinate across mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering stakeholders. Additionally, you will drive continuous improvement in lab processes, equipment utilization, and fabrication quality. Partner with program teams to prioritize builds that accelerate multi-billion-dollar robotics programs. Own the build plan end-to-end, you choose the fabrication approach, tooling, and sequence for every job that comes through the door. If you are passionate about pioneering new technologies for the real world, inventing hands-on fabrication, directing a technical team, and delivering great hardware at scale, we want to talk to you.

Requirements

Experience managing lab resources, equipment, and supplies
5+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in a prototyping, test lab, or engineering shop environment
Demonstrated experience with multiple fabrication techniques including CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal bending, and waterjet cutting
Experience with CNC programming and operation (3-axis mill and live-tool lathe)
Experience with CAD/CAM software for CNC programming
Experience reading technical drawings and translating concepts into physical prototypes
Experience leading or mentoring a small technical team and managing multiple concurrent builds
Knowledge of shop safety practices and proper use of fabrication equipment
Experience troubleshooting and debugging technical systems and documenting findings

Nice To Haves

10+ years of hands-on fabrication experience in a prototyping, test lab, or engineering shop environment
Experience developing and testing mechanical robotics equipment
Experience with electro-mechanical system integration and test fixture development
Background in robotics, automation, or mechatronics systems
Experience using one or more of the following: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Mastercam, AutoCAD, or CREO to create fabrication-ready designs
Experience managing vendor relationships and procurement for lab equipment and materials
Experience evaluating and justifying capital equipment investments
Experience supporting rapid prototyping in a rapid-iteration, fast-paced engineering environment
Experience with multi-material prototyping across metals, polymers, and printed parts
Experience with lab equipment maintenance and calibration programs
Experience building and scaling a prototyping lab's capabilities, processes, and team

Responsibilities

Lead lab operations and a small team of technicians in a fast-paced prototyping environment supporting multiple concurrent programs Single-handedly fabricate rapid prototypes and test equipment from concept to completion, serving as the technical expert for complex machining problems.
Take sketches or concepts and build them using a full range of fabrication techniques including CNC programming and operation, 3D printing, water jetting, and general machining on Hurco CNC mills, Okuma live-tool CNC lathes, HP Multi Jet Fusion, Formlabs SLS, Stratasys PolyJet printers, a fleet of Bambu printers, Bystronic CNC press brake, and water jet.
Manage shop operations including equipment maintenance, safety protocols, vendor relationships, and capacity planning.
Support multiple areas of the program, creating everything from simple test fixtures to complex robotic test equipment and bespoke electro-mechanical systems.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and test engineers to translate requirements into fabricated solutions.
Mentor and develop team members on advanced fabrication techniques and best practices.
Own the build plan end-to-end — unassisted, select the right manufacturing approach, tooling, and sequence for each project.
Maintain documentation of fabrication processes, equipment operation procedures, and vendor relationships.